Starting out recommendations?

[nwframer]

Hello Everyone
Hope you are all well and enjoying the sun.
Just starting out in framing, bought a set up including a Morso F, a cassese underpinner, mount cutters etc etc
Looking to sort some courses and currently researching them if anyone has any recommendations?
Any tips where to start, books, dvd`s, youtube videos etc
Seen a few videos which show you bits of training for the machines, any tips of good training info for an all round start in framing while we sort the courses to get us started?
Had a crash course in the machines when we picked them up.
Thanks in advance for any replies.
We are in the northwest.
Thanks
Andy

[sisters]

practice !!
sorry cant help with any of the questions , it was sooooo long ago I started !

[poliopete]

Hi Andy

On the left side of the screen is a list under "Resources", in that list is "Tuition". You will find information regarding framing courses/training.

Good luck.

Peter.

[Not your average framer]

I started out being trained for six months in a very busy well respected picture framers. I came out and started my business knowing that I had been trained properly, very professionally and that I had framed both complicated and easy items. It stood me in very good stead. Pick your training provider with care, good training makes all the difference in the world in the start up phase of your business, you want to be really impressive to all your customers. Assess you own personal objectives and tasks you expect to tackle.

Make sure that your training matches your needs. Be prepared to pay for really first class training. Take a note pad and pen with you, write things down and ask lots of questions and go home and practice everthing you have learn until you are satisfied you can do a perfect job every time. You don't just want to be trained how to use the equipment, but you also want to start framing and build a reputation for the quality and professionalism of your work from day one. Don't be frightened to ask training providers a lot of questions before deciding which one to choose.

Most of us can only get a limited amount of training at fist, but you can determine your own priorities and consider extra training as time goes on, if you still feel that you need it. Practicing things that you see on the forum can be good training as well.

Wishing you a happy and successful future,
Mark

[kartoffelngeist]

When I started framing, I was shown how to stick pictures to mounts with brown tape and use tapestry tape to stretch t-shirts etc.

It was only when I started reading through these forums that I realised this wasn't the way to do things. I really do think this has been the main resource in my learning to frame properly.

I found the FATG guidelines quite helpful too as a reference point.

A lot of the books etc that I've looked at all seem to be a bit dated. In an ideal world I'd like to have done some proper training but that was never likely.

[Keith Hewitt]

Just a suggestion..... if you can find a trainer to come to you, so much better
Then you will be taught how to use the kit you have purchased, which is infinitely better than the alternative.
It will cost more, but see it as an investemnt
Let us know how it goes
And I wish you good luck

[JonathanB]

Hi Andy -
Before starting my business I completed the week long framing course at Wessex Pictures in Leatherhead and found it an excellent introduction to the trade. I had some previous experience and to a certain extent used it as a refresher but the others were just starting out. The pace is ideal, as you work through all the main skills you need over the week and end up with a professionally framed picture at the end of the course. The most important thing I see that you understand all the elements that have gone into the finished work. It isn't a cheap course, particularly when you factor in travel and accommodation, but as has already been mentioned, you very much get what you pay for. I would very much recommend it.
Best wishes and good luck.
Jonathan

[Justintime]

The Fine Art trade guild conservation framing book is my go to book at the moment.
I use YouTube for techniques, but it's very hit n miss, loads of bad techniques out there too. Harlequin framing is always correct though, as he is current FATG top dog/leader/chief.
Technical machine advice, I've found talking to the service engineers at wessex pictures, ashworth n Thompson etc very useful.
I'm constantly learning from here and other groups. I eat sleep and breathe framing, just in my second year and learning new tips n tricks n techniques every day. Good luck!

[Not your average framer]

If I remember rightly, I think Wessex Pictures may have a prospectus for their course that you can ask for. I expect that there will be other trainers who have a prospectus for their training courses as well. Maybe these will be worth checking out to compare what's on offer.

[Justintime]

Forgot to say, for training I did the beginners 1 day course and the shadowbox day course with Jan at Framers Equipment in Northampton. Small groups, good value. Jan is on the forum as Mitre an. An added bonus, he has been incredibly helpful when I get stuck on projects.
I did do a day basic training with Mike Royal in Bristol, but I believe he has stopped now.

[Justintime]

Mitreman...

[nwframer]

Hi to all those who have replied, great tips and advice!
Thanks for your time in replying, will be looking into everyone's comments and taking steps.
Been busy enjoying the nice weather, set up a workshop in a spre room, just too hot this week to be stuck in there?
On holiday next week then can make a start when we get back before our next holiday touring and photography in our camper.
Thanks again for your time everyone!
Greatly appreciated!
Regards
Andy

[red]

all the previous, great advice, I found getting old frames from charity shops
take them to piece look how they have been put together ,make them smaller
-bingo! if you choose frames that have been professionally framed, easy to tell ,
these ive found are better.I remember looking round charity shops when I started and
found there are can be boxes of old frames in the back of the shops.its a good idea if
you get to know the shop manager or a worker ,I was literally given a load of old frames
for a small contribution, they are often glad to get rid of stuff. having said this I still
think professional help is a good idea -no point reinventing the wheel!

[Steve N]

Sorry I would not recommend taking apart charity shop frames and trying to make them smaller if you have left any metal in the frame and you cut them with the Morso, you could end up taking a chip out of the blades , it will be costly to get them re-ground, we never offer this service to customers, if they want us to make their frames smaller

The only thing you will learn when taking apart a charity shop frame is (90% of the time) is the wrong techniques and materials

[kartoffelngeist]

Yeah, I don't think you'd get that much from it.

People are often trying to get rid of lengths of moulding which they don't want. I'd pick up a heap and use that to learn with...

[prospero]

I learned on a few boxes of offcuts from a local framers who were relocating.

Still got some of them.

[Framemaker Richard]

My starting out recommendations would be to get a few good books, I like the Pete Bingham book because it was the first I started learning from, not sure if an updated or revised edition has been released... as it was about 25 years ago when I started. There are a few good books by Vivian Kistler on different aspects of framing, be careful of picking up books that are 'hobby' orientated, they're a waste of time, look for good books either in the Lion catalogue, the PFM bookshop, or from the Fine Art Trade Guild.

PFM bookstore:
https://ppfa.z2systems.com/np/clients/p ... tstore.jsp

Lion training guides:
https://lionpic.co.uk/workshop/training-books/

A search of the FATG website can be done for training providers or courses... can't recommend anyone directly.

A few people mention offcuts, several times in the past I have had a clear out of moulding (offcuts and full lengths) which have gone to people starting out, I think this is a good way to get used to cutting frames on the morso, using different shaped mouldings, and joining them. You can use these frames up framing family photos or whatever, or sell them as ready made frames. I plan to post soon on the forum a load of moulding that I don't need that will be free... is a great way to get some practical experience with machinery for beginners.

Probably one of the best learning sources is right here on the forum, ask any question, even if is basic and people will gladly help advise.

[prospero]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Picture-Framin ... 1853911798

[Keith Hewitt]

How Much !

Pete Bingham's book for only £0.01

I honestly thought he was worth more than that

Better not tell him

[Steve N]

Damn if I had waited 25 year or so, would have got a bargain, I paid full price way back then